The search for food never ends, and often the Coyote can be found alone, wandering the wilderness in search of opportunity. The Coyote can also be very social, and live in loose knit packs similar to the Wolf. Their diet consist of primarily meat, and they will hunt anything from the smallest rodents to Deer, Rabbits, Birds, Reptiles, and Fish. Even though the Coyote is a great predator, they can often be found scavenging for food. On some occasions they will follow the tracks of Wolves in search of scraps or to perhaps just to stay behind their enemy for safety as their only adversaries besides Man, are the Cougar and the Wolf.
The Coyote is very adaptable and can live high up in the mountains or it can survive in the hot desert and has even been found roaming some cities. A close relative of the Gray Wolf, the Coyote is a smart and clever animal which has spread out all over its North American home in which there are 19 different subspecies recognized today.
During a recent encounter with Coyote in Yellowstone National Park, I was treated first hand on how violent and vicious these wild dogs can be. A weak Mule Deer with a broken leg found itself out in the open exposed to the frigid cold where a pack of Coyote dispatched it as if they were hungry Wolves.
This was an incredible series of events to witness, especially in winter. Photographing the Coyote in the winter when their coats are thickest and full gives them the most beautiful appearance of the year despite their ferocity. They allowed me a small glimpse of their habits and behavior as I watched from a distance using Canon's 600mm F4L IS Lens along with the newest Type III extenders on Gitzo Tripod, Zenelli Carbon Fiber Gimabal, Really Right Stuff Long Lens Support System and Lenscoat.
Credits:
One of my favorite wildlife encounters of 2016 was with the Coyotes of Lamar Valley, Yellowstone national Park. Enjoy this photo essay of their daily fight for survival during the long harsh winter.